What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
echelon
Example
She worked her way up the echelons of the company to become CEO. [echelons: plural noun]
Example
The military is organized into different echelons based on rank and responsibility. [echelon: singular noun]
position
Example
I found a comfortable position to sit in on the couch. [position: noun]
Example
He was offered a position as a manager at the new branch. [position: noun]
Example
Her position on the matter was clear from the beginning. [position: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Position is more commonly used than echelon in everyday language. Position is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while echelon is less common and typically used in professional or organizational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between echelon and position?
Echelon has a more formal and hierarchical connotation, while position can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it more versatile in terms of formality.